]]>If you’re looking for an online bank, you’ve come to the right place: For years, Eccount Money has been an industry leader in the field of digital finance solutions. The key to our strategy is focusing on people not companies, on all customers not just high-income earners as well as on technologies that will simplify your life not make it more complicated. With most traditional banks, online is a cheap possibility of reducing costs and cutting on service. To us, it’s simply the best banking experience imaginable – and if you make us your online bank, you’ll quickly feel the same way.

Why go for an online bank?

Only a decade ago, the thought of an online bank sounded revolutionary to some. To even more, meanwhile, it sounded outright disturbing: Imagining a world without branch offices and employees was a bit scary and it didn’t appear convenient in the least. Today, conversely, we find it hard to think of a time when we were stuck with limited opening hours, long queues and high processing costs for basic transactions; a time when you had no way of checking on your current account status or to set up a standing order yourself. Unless you have very good reasons for wanting to return to the outdated branch office model, online banking is cheaper, easier and more customer friendly. So if you’re already convinced about its advantages, why not switch now and turn towards a specialised online bank instead of one of the dinosaurs?

Eccount: An online bank with a vision

At Eccount Money, we consider ourselves an original online bank. To us, it seems completely natural that you should be able to take care of something as essential as your financial transactions yourself. And it goes without saying that you should not have to pay for administrative overheads or branch offices in remote places you’ll never visit. We know you want to be able to bank 24/7 and 7 days a week, from any place and at your own convenience. We also believe that banking is as essential as email and should be open to anyone. That is why we bar no one from using our services. Did you have some financial issues in the past? Are you an undischarged bankrupt? Will no bank even offer you a basic bank account? Don’t worry, you’re welcome at Eccount.

Online Banking & Mobile Banking

With Eccount Money, you can expect all the services you’d expect from an online bank:

All standard banking facilities, including money transfers and standing orders.

All of our customers also have free access to our new mobile banking app, which allows you to access all of the aforementioned facilities on the go. Mobile banking is the future of the industry – which is why we have made it our goal to not just become the UK’s #1 online bank, but your best mobile bank as well.

Apply now

If you’re in need of an inexpensive, fully-fledged online bank experience, don’t hesitate to apply. Fill out our easy online application form and you could be reaping the benefits of online banking within no more than a few days.

]]>http://www.eccount.com/online-mobile-banking/eccount-money-1-online-bank/feed/0Online banking: Why you should switchhttp://www.eccount.com/online-mobile-banking/online-banking-switch/
http://www.eccount.com/online-mobile-banking/online-banking-switch/#commentsTue, 18 Feb 2014 10:29:50 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3259Many people still see online banking as a novelty. In terms of its adaptation rate, the UK has indeed lagged behind the USA. And yet,...

]]>Many people still see online banking as a novelty. In terms of its adaptation rate, the UK has indeed lagged behind the USA. And yet, not only has it turned into the de facto industry standard. But Britons even consider it one of the inventions which have changed their life most dramatically for the better. Today, nothing seems more outdated than visiting a branch office, standing in line, asking an employee to take care of a transaction for you – or not being able to access your account because it’s Sunday. To put it short: Online banking has taken the world of finance by storm. And it hasn’t just made banking a lot more efficient – but also more customer-friendly and democratic.

Online banking: Security & Service concerns

When online banking was first introduced, critics had a wealth of potential reasons on offer why it could and would never work. Two of them, seemed particularly relevant:

Online banking, many experts argued, would lead to a decrease in customer service. Banks would simply close down branch offices and lay off staff. And customers would have no one to turn to.

Online banking was also said to be prone to security issues and open to fraud. The Internet, after all, was an open, world-wide system which could be hacked – with potentially disastrous consequences.

Many years later, reality has disproved these concerns. In fact, most insiders agree that online banking is, in fact, safer than conventional bricks and mortar banking. In many respects, the fierce competition on the online banking market has considerably improved the customer experience as well. And, as it turns out, the safety of the banks was as over rated as their service. When it comes to the hard facts, therefore, online banking should be your #1 choice.

Online banking: Benefits

Let’s take a look in which you, too, can benefit from online banking:

Online banking means uninterrupted access to your account. Never before has banking been this transparent and convenient than ever.

Online banking means taking things into your own hands. This protects you against mistakes from incompetent employees and allows you to be more flexible in your financial planning.

Online banking frees you from the limitations of the physical branch office network. Instead, you can deal with your finances from the comfort of your home.

Online banking saves costs.

Online banking, especially when combined with a prepaid card, can help you save money by shopping online.

Online banking is about constant improvements. Mobile banking, for example, is now allowing you to take care of your finances from any place in the world with an working online connection.

Online banking: Open to anyone

The best thing about these benefits is that they are open to anyone. In traditional banking, most financial institutions were extremely protective about whom to admit and whom to exclude from their services. Online banking has made things a lot more democratic and opened up the advantages of digital services to anyone – even undischarged bankrupts or those with a less than favourable credit score. Universal access, a dream for centuries, has finally become a reality.

Online banking: Go for a real online bank

The one thing you should take into account, meanwhile, is to avoid the online offerings of traditional banks. Most of these companies have little real understanding of the Internet. Opt for a real online bank instead. At Eccount Money, we have believed in online banking from the start. Our online account offers you the full banking experience, including a formidable mobile banking app and a Visa prepaid card, without the dangers of overdrafts or expensive credit facilities. Apply now.

]]>http://www.eccount.com/online-mobile-banking/online-banking-switch/feed/0Banking without credit: Why it is better for youhttp://www.eccount.com/financial-news/banking-without-credit-better/
http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/banking-without-credit-better/#commentsMon, 17 Feb 2014 10:29:34 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3256Very few people seperate banking and credit. In fact, credit cards and overdrafts have remained remarkably popular. So why are we addressing the topic at...

]]>Very few people seperate banking and credit. In fact, credit cards and overdrafts have remained remarkably popular. So why are we addressing the topic at all? Simply put, the convenience of current credit facilities is a serious threat to your financial health – and could present you with a level of debt you may find hard or impossible to pay off.

The origins of banking

Sometimes, a little historical perspective can help you adjust your perspective. After all, when banking was initially introduced to the wider public, credit was the last thing on people’s minds. Instead, banking was first and foremost about depositing your money at a safe place, protecting it from theft and being able to withdraw it at different places in the country. In fact, you can expect the first banking customers to have been extremely suspicious of credit facilities, which they would often consider unethical.

Banking and credit become conflated

Things would soon change, however, as banks became too successful for their own good. Since everyone understood the practical benefits of storing away their cash in an account, banks were soon flooded with excess liquidity. One way of putting it to use was to invest it. Another was to offer it as credit to its customers.

For the industry, banking and credit were a match made in heaven. Overdrafts were merely another side to the same coin. Originally introduced to allow healthy companies to cope with short-term financial trouble, they quickly expanded to the private sector, where they allowed households to fill minor shortages at the end of the month without having to apply for a loan each time.

The problems of banking & credit

Quickly, however, the useful sides of credit banking would be overshadowed by the dangers. Credit could be used for lucrative investments and make some entrepreneurs rich. But they could also be used for risky activities, which could even lead big companies into ruin. Overdrafts, similarly, were a great tool in the hands of smart households. Unfortunately, however, they could also be used to cover up a systematic imbalance between incomings and outgoings.

Also, banks were increasingly hiding the costs of credit- and overdraft facilities in the fine print and by means of complex conditions even they themselves sometimes found hard to understand. And so, free banking was abused to lure customers in inn a bid of making money off them later. As it turned out, however, nothing came for free, banking least of all. As the bills kept rising, more and more debtors had to default on their debt.

The solution: An eccount

Even if you’re serious about your finances, the conveniences of a banking & credit package can be tempting. At first, just a few Pounds of debt at the end of the month don’t seem to hurt. Before you know it, however, you’re knee-deep in the red and no longer able to sustain your budget without taking up more and more debt.

Which is why you should keep banking and credit strictly separated. An online account from Eccount Money is a great way of doing that. It offers you all the conveniences of conventional banking plus an easy to use, cutting edge mobile banking app. On the other hand, it protects you from the danger of credit and overdrafts by eliminating them from the equation. The pioneers of banking wouldn’t have had it any other way.

]]>http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/banking-without-credit-better/feed/0A free online checking account: Not a good ideahttp://www.eccount.com/financial-news/free-online-checking-account-good-idea/
http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/free-online-checking-account-good-idea/#commentsSat, 15 Feb 2014 09:14:24 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3254Are you knee-deep in debt? Facing bankruptcy? Or do you simply reject paying banking fees as a matter of principle? In all of these cases,...

]]>Are you knee-deep in debt? Facing bankruptcy? Or do you simply reject paying banking fees as a matter of principle? In all of these cases, a free online checking account will sound like the perfect solution to your problems. It can hardly come as a surprise, then, that the free online checking account has turned into a de facto standard: Although paid accounts are making a small-scale comeback, most banks these days do not require you to pay a monthly fee for their services. Still, a free online checking account is not a good idea. In fact, it can lead you straight into serious financial trouble.

The free online checking account: Great on paper

This is not to say that a free online checking account doesn’t sound great on paper. Being able to set up standing orders, transfer money from your account to another, have money paid in and make use of online- and mobile banking facilities without having to pay for it really is extremely attractive. Many have also argued that free banking is only fair, since banks can invest your cash to increase their profits. So why should you opt for a non free online checking account?

A free online checking account: What the banks don’t tell you

For a very simple reason: It’s dangerous and can lead you straight into sky high debt. If you think about it, banks are not charitable institutions, but want to make as much money off you as possible. Offering you a free account, therefore, is not a charitable act, but mostly a ploy to lure you into their non free services. Overdrafts are one of them and they are generally held responsible for a staggeringly high amount of insolvencies in the UK. But even if things don’t get that bad, the costs of going into overdrafts on a regular basis easily outweigh the benefits of a free online checking account.

The eccount approach

The solution is simple. You will need to create a situation where the bank does not have an incentive to offer a free online checking account and make money on overdrafts. Instead, it would be a lot better if it were paid for excellent customer service. This is precisely the approach we’re taking at eccount money:

You’re paying a monthly fee. This can either be a flat fee which covers all of your transactions or a pay as you go model where you pay only for the transactions you actually perform.

In return, we offer you a fully fledged account which allows you to take care of your entire financial affairs from the comfort and safety of your home.

Our mobile banking app means you can start banking on the go.

You’re protected from the dangers of overdrafts and inbuilt credit facilities. Moreover, budget support facilities will help you stick to your goals.

Not all experts agree on the idea of paid banking. And at first, it may indeed seem strange to replace your free online checking account with a paid account from Eccount Money. But let your cash be your judge. You’ll quickly discover that you’re not only no longer running up debt and improving your spending, but actually saving money in many instances: Our paid accounts really can be cheaper than a free online checking account.

]]>http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/free-online-checking-account-good-idea/feed/0Middle Britain is being priced out of getting financial advicehttp://www.eccount.com/financial-news/middle-britain-priced-getting-financial-advice/
http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/middle-britain-priced-getting-financial-advice/#commentsFri, 14 Feb 2014 10:02:56 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3251In 2013 The Retail Distribution Review passed laws that banned financial advisers from taking commissions from new products that they recommend to their clients. Now,...

]]>In 2013 The Retail Distribution Review passed laws that banned financial advisers from taking commissions from new products that they recommend to their clients. Now, a transparent fee must be paid directly by the client in exchange for financial advice. To many this would seem like a good thing and a way to prevent hapless investors from taking lazy financial advice. However, according to The Independent, it has created a financial advice gap that hits middle Britain right where it hurts. Because of the new laws banning commission-based advice, high street banks and financial advisors “have withdrawn services for those with less than £100,000. They argue that the cost of servicing this tier of clients has become too high.” This comes at a bad time for most moderate savers with pensions and retirement planning coming to the fore as Brits are being encouraged to take greater responsibility for their retirement income.

Financial advice: Real & growing

Mark Garnier MP, says that “the financial advice gap is real, is growing, and will hit those most in need of financial guidance the hardest.” He believes there’s a general feeling that “unless you have £75,000 or a reasonable income – perhaps one that is similar to an MP at around £65,000 – people are not getting advice.” Will Thomas from Eccount Money commented, “I think it’s best to view these changes as positive ones. There’s a reason commission-based financial advice was banned – it’s not fair play and it’s these lower bracket investors that were taking the brunt of greedy and lazy financial advice.” He continued by saying “if you have money to invest, be responsible for your good fortune and reward your saving efforts by doing research and choosing sound investments. Commission-based financial advice was only ever convenient advice, and not for the customer, but for the advisor.”

Catering to middle Britain

With the growing advice gap, financial consulting firms and services are doing their best to cater to middle Britain, offering a range of low-cost, simplified financial advice and commission-based market access. But don’t expect one-on-one service, these new models only offer computer-generated financial advice and online discussion, with telephone advice available for investors with over £20,000 to invest. The Money Advisory Service is a government-run service providing free and unbiased financial advice online and over the phone. But according to critics, it fails to “to engage with a wide enough audience” and was even called “not fit for purpose” in a recent report by the Treasury Select Committee.

Will Thomas from Eccount said that, “it might look dire, but I do believe that these laws are for the best. I also know that when there are gaps in any market, you can guarantee someone will fill it. It might just be a little bit of time before the right company comes forward with the right kind of financial advice for this investor bracket. In the meantime, as an eccount customer, you know you are safe from the dangers of overdrafts, expensive credit and debt.”

]]>http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/middle-britain-priced-getting-financial-advice/feed/0How to tackle Christmas overspendinghttp://www.eccount.com/budgeting-advice/tackle-christmas-overspending/
http://www.eccount.com/budgeting-advice/tackle-christmas-overspending/#commentsThu, 13 Feb 2014 11:42:06 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3247Government-backed financial advisory body, The Money Advice Service reported that over a million Britons would have turned to payday loans to fund their Christmas overspending...

]]>Government-backed financial advisory body, The Money Advice Service reported that over a million Britons would have turned to payday loans to fund their Christmas overspending in 2013, with almost as many turning to the same desperate solution to pay debts incurred over Christmas. The Telegraph explains why these increasingly popular loans are so damaging to your finances, by “taking out a £400 loan with Wonga (5853pc APR) for one month will cost around £119 in interest.” Will Thomas from Eccount Money urges consumers who have indulged in Christmas overspending that “payday loans can get very expensive very quickly. Consider borrowing from Credit Unions or even getting a personal loan from your bank before you go making a hasty deal with a payday lender.”

Is it smart to be a credit card tart?

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert told The Telegraph, the best way to tackle Christmas overspending is to “become a credit card tart. That means disloyally shifting the debt again to a new card a month before the 0pc deal ends.” Will Thomas commented, “that’s a fine strategy if all you need is time and you have a good credit rating, but for those who haven’t got a great credit history, this is not an option.”

The trap of fast money

Reporter Bryony Gordon feels that payday loans, once a niche habit for gamblers and addicts is in the process of becoming a normal, everyday thing and that Brits are in danger of falling into the trap of fast money at a heavy cost. She said that “instead of financial lessons about loans being learnt, it feels as if the normalisation of debt is close to being complete. You never hear anybody talk about “saving up”. She warns “entire lives and lifestyles are still built on credit, and it is seen as uncontroversial that one of the Prime Minister’s closest employees goes to work for a company that has been investigated by the OFT.”

Christmas overspending: A tight budget can help

Will Thomas agrees, “the best way to tackle Christmas overspending is to avoid doing it in the first place. But post-fact, that advice is irrelevant. So instead, develop a very tight budget that will allow you to pay your debts off as quickly as possible.” Chances are you’re paying high rates of interest on over-due credit cards, overdrafts or short-term loans. If you are struggling with all three then get in touch with your bank, The Money Advice Service or a debt charity like Step Change, and ask about consolidating your various debts into one place. Find the best product that you can pay off in the coming months. By keeping your head down, and staying clear of expensive lifestyle purchases like take-away food, alcohol, coffee and entertainment you will find the pounds starts mounting up – and the debts from your Christmas overspending will disappear.

To help your efforts, start browning-bagging your lunch, drinking the coffee available at work, keeping alcohol for weekends only and staying home for a couple of months. It might sound a bit miserable, but over winter it’s much easier to do and this way you can hopefully have your debts paid off or at least bought down to manageable levels, so you can enjoy the summer. And as always your eccount will help you get there a whole lot faster.

]]>http://www.eccount.com/budgeting-advice/tackle-christmas-overspending/feed/0Tips for successful finance strategieshttp://www.eccount.com/financial-news/tips-successful-finance-strategies/
http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/tips-successful-finance-strategies/#commentsWed, 12 Feb 2014 09:10:30 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3249In the wake of the financial advice gap, many savers might be looking for lucrative finance strategies, wondering what they can do with the money...

]]>In the wake of the financial advice gap, many savers might be looking for lucrative finance strategies, wondering what they can do with the money they have saved. Most Brits are scratching their heads as to whether they should invest or put their pennies away. Will Thomas at Eccount Money says, “there are lots of places online where you can get useful advice for your finance strategies. It might not be personalised advice, but you can certainly apply the fundamentals to your own situation.”

Finance strategies: Educate yourself

Newspapers and media outlets are a boon of finance strategies from journalists who have been reporting on the issue for many years. They’ve seen it all and they are often in a good position to be able to see fads and recognise poor advice. Start reading the financial sections of various newspapers and then when you find a reporter that you trust, read their columns and editorial for a few months and you’ll quickly gain some insight that will apply to you. Will Thomas warns potential investors, “whether you’ve paid big bucks for an advisor or you’re reading speculative reports online, remember that no one can predict the future. There is an element of risk involved in any kind of investment so keep your finance strategies open and most importantly diverse so that you can withstand any fluctuations in the market.”

Finance blogs are another place where you will get up to date and astute advice. But before you select your advice, you’ll have to narrow down exactly what kind of finance strategies will apply to you. There are blogs and personal finance websites for post-college students, retirees, single parents, young adults and an endless list of demographics, so it’s best to include in your research some keywords that define your situation.

Long term or short term?

Another element to consider when looking for attractive finance strategies is that some advice is geared towards a struggling economic outlook and some is geared more towards long-term solutions which will ride out any market ups and downs. You also have to think about whether you want to invest for the long or short term and with high or low risk returns. Will Thomas says, “there is not one simple set of rules or finance strategies that applies when it comes to financial advice. It all depends on your specific situation, what your risk potential is and how long you want to invest for.”

Australian investment company OnePath states, “Saving and investing are not the same thing. Saving is holding your money to use in the future, instead of spending it now. On the other hand, investing is putting the money you have saved to work.”

Finance strategies: Borrowing instead of saving

At this time, interest rates are low. Due to the economic crisis they are the lowest they’ve ever been, and this means that savings are not earning a good return. Borrowing money for investment purposes or paying off debt is the best way to make your money work for you now. However, as the economy improves the interest will slowly rise and this should be taken into serious consideration for your finance strategies if you choose to borrow. Will Thomas says, “in the end, if you’re not sure about your finance strategies, just keep saving. Until you’re in a position to take the leap and invest, your money is safe and sound in your account. It won’t grow in this economic climate, but it will be safe. While it’s important to think about the longevity of your assets and building wealth, small amounts saved are sometimes better off at your disposal in the case of an emergency or should a good opportunity presents itself.”

]]>http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/tips-successful-finance-strategies/feed/0Bank accounts with no credit checks: They really exist!http://www.eccount.com/unemployment-bankruptcy-advice/bank-accounts-with-no-credit-checks-really-exist/
http://www.eccount.com/unemployment-bankruptcy-advice/bank-accounts-with-no-credit-checks-really-exist/#commentsMon, 10 Feb 2014 09:05:51 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3245If only bank accounts with no credit checks were easier to come by! After all, a poor credit rating is most likely the reality of...

]]>If only bank accounts with no credit checks were easier to come by! After all, a poor credit rating is most likely the reality of most Brits in these recent years of social hardship. With the cost of living rising every month and wages on what seems like a terminal freeze, the average Brit has and still is struggling to stay afloat. Many have turned to payday loans in a desperate attempt to bridge the gap between pay checks or pay for a Christmas they couldn’t really afford and this often ends up with spiralling debt and a tarnished credit history. Will Thomas urges financially-fed up Brits that “a poor credit rating is not the end of the world but it should signal the end of a period of over-spending.” He continues, “there is help for those in financial trouble and getting started with a bank account is the first step on the road to recovery. Bank accounts with no credit checks do exist and they can be just as good as a regular account.”

Bank accounts with no credit checks: Go online

The best and quickest way to find bank accounts with no credit checks is to get online. If you don’t have Internet at home simply pop into your local library and start an Internet session for free. Not only has online banking become exceedingly popular. You will also be amazed at how easy it is to find information about setting up bank accounts with no credit checks. Will Thomas comments, “banking has changed dramatically in recent years and businesses like eccount are popping up all over the place in answer to a very real gap in the banking services market. Banks can be very demanding and this results in keeping those who need it most, out of the daily banking world. Without a bank account people can’t establish themselves in any permanent way. They’re at risk of theft and never being able to manage their money responsibly. This is why we have made bank accounts with no credit checks our top priority.”

Understanding the basics

Once you’ve had a look around, you’ll notice the use of words like ‘basic bank account’ and ‘current account’. There is a difference and with a bit of reading you’ll discover that a current account is only offered by high street banks to people with a good credit rating. If this isn’t you, then you’ll need to look at basic bank accounts. If you’re not sure which one to choose want to find out what the usual charges and features are, then visit a comparison site like Money.co.uk or MoneySavingExpert.com where they often have lists comparing the products and services on the market. These lists give you the best deals for bank accounts with no credit checks, inform you about set up and running costs, and usually list the features of the account.

Open to anyone

Will Thomas points out, “the eccount features as the top basic bank account of the Money.co.uk list of bank accounts with no credit checks. With our easy-to-use and transparent banking service plus the fact that we’re open to almost everyone, it doesn’t surprise me that our product is up there with the best.”

Even if you are bankrupt, you can still find bank accounts with no credit checks that are right for you. The eccount only requires that you provide ID and proof that you are over 18 years of age to set up an account. From there, you can start receiving wage or benefits payments and even deposit cash, make payments and be issued with a VISA prepaid card that allows you to pay over the counter, over the phone and online. Will Thomas adds, “with a basic account you can do everything you need to do, to get back on your feet financially. Opening an eccount is your first step to freedom.”

]]>http://www.eccount.com/unemployment-bankruptcy-advice/bank-accounts-with-no-credit-checks-really-exist/feed/0Cashplus vs. Eccount: Why you should opt for ushttp://www.eccount.com/financial-news/cashplus-vs-eccount-opt-us/
http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/cashplus-vs-eccount-opt-us/#commentsSun, 09 Feb 2014 10:17:26 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3243Cashplus, cashback – if you’re in the market for a bank account and you have a poor credit rating, then you’ll probably be baffled by...

]]>Cashplus, cashback – if you’re in the market for a bank account and you have a poor credit rating, then you’ll probably be baffled by the quantity of banking products that are available. Whether you’re bankrupt, new to the country or simply trying to wait out the after-effects of a bit of credit card abuse, then it’s likely you’ll need to start banking as soon as possible and begin to repair some of the damage to your finances. A good place to start says Eccount Money’s Will Thomas, “is comparison sites like Money.co.uk and Moneysavingexpert.com. These websites list the best performing products and give details about how much set-up and running costs are and also highlight the features and lack-thereof of these banking products.” It is a good way to get a broad sweep of what’s out there and what it’s going to cost you.

Cashplus: Similar at first

There’s no doubt you’ll come across Eccount in your searches, but you might also stumble upon Cashplus. “CashPlus might seem similar at first,” warns Will Thomas, “but if you look closer you’ll notice a big difference between eccount and cashplus accounts.” Eccount is based on a business model that offers no facility for debt which means no overdrafts, no credit cards and no loans. This works for them because it means they can offer their products to everyone, regardless of their financial state. However, it’s also good for you because it means that when you sign for up for an eccount, there is no risk of getting into debt. If you have found yourself in a financially compromising position, chances are it’s debt that got you there. So if you need to avoid the threat and risk of debt, you can be confident in your choice with Eccount. Will Thomas explains that no-debt doesn’t mean no fun, “on the contrary, you can still enjoy your freedom and feel confident in your everyday spending without relying on the debt-cycle. Our prepaid cards offer you the same freedom and flexibility as a credit or debit card but the big difference is you don’t risk going into debt with our prepaid cards.”

Cashplus: The risk remains

CashPlus accounts do not offer this same level debt-free confidence, in fact they provide several ways that their customers can, once again, be at risk of a debt spiral. Will Thomas comments, “it never surprises me that other banking products are not as transparent as eccount. That’s how they lure you in. We prefer to be upfront and honest about the charges you’ll encounter and the actual cost of using our products and services.”

While a CashPlus account might offer you credit and loans, those features also come at a cost, whereas Eccount is very clear about what they offer and how much it will cost, right from the start. It’s up to you whether you prefer to get back into the old habits that got you into trouble in the first place or whether you’d rather try an eccount and start again knowing you’ve got everything in place to help you develop better banking and a much brighter future.

]]>http://www.eccount.com/financial-news/cashplus-vs-eccount-opt-us/feed/0An undischarged bankrupt: How can I get an account?http://www.eccount.com/unemployment-bankruptcy-advice/undischarged-bankrupt-can-get-account/
http://www.eccount.com/unemployment-bankruptcy-advice/undischarged-bankrupt-can-get-account/#commentsSat, 08 Feb 2014 10:17:05 +0000http://www.eccount.com/?p=3241If you’ve been unfortunate enough to become an undischarged bankrupt, you’ll know what it’s like to feel as if the whole world has turned against...

]]>If you’ve been unfortunate enough to become an undischarged bankrupt, you’ll know what it’s like to feel as if the whole world has turned against you. Whether it’s banks or bills, you suddenly feel as if you’ve been shut out. Will Thomas from Eccount Money says, “there’s no need for an undischarged bankrupt to feel hopeless. We can help. We offer our online banking account to everyone, even those who have the worst credit history.” He urges those experiencing severe debt not to “give up on ever finding your way back to financial freedom. You can get back on track with an eccount. As an undischarged bankrupt, you can use the unique features of the account to gain control over your spending habits and your debts.”

An account without debt

So how does it work? Why can an account by Eccount Money offer their services to those at risk of financial failure? “It’s simple” says Will Thomas, “because we don’t offer any debt or credit facilities, we can offer our services to anyone, as long as they have ID, are over 18 and can pay the monthly service fee, our account is open to one and all. Even to an undischarged bankrupt”

Eccount Money offers a banking product called the eccount that is operated online and over the phone. With no physical branches, operating costs are at a minimum and these savings can be passed on to the customer. This particular aeccount can be used to receive wages, benefits payments, bank transfers, cheques and when cash deposits need to be made, you can simply use the counter at any Post Office branch or at any of the 23,000 PayPoint locations, conveniently located nationwide.

Convenience and Cost-cutting

The eccount can also be used to pay bills and access your funds through the popular payment tool of a prepaid card. You can use a standing order and one-off payments to pay regular bills at no extra cost as with any traditional account, or use the direct debit service for a small fee. These payments can be arranged either online, over the phone or using the specially designed mobile app. Alternatively you can make use of the prepaid VISA card. This puts the facilities of a credit card at your hands, even if you’re an undischarged bankrupt and allows you to make use of cheap online rates and the convenience of cashless shopping.

Freedom for the undischarged bankrupt

The eccount prepaid VISA card is, according to Will Thomas, “eccount’s best asset”, claiming that “the prepaid card is like your key to freedom as an undischarged bankrupt. You can use it just like you would any other debit or credit card; it’s on the VISA network and so it’s accepted anywhere you see the VISA symbol.” You can use the prepaid card over the counter, on the phone and even online to make use of internet-only savings and payment systems. No one ever needs to know that your finances aren’t in great shape, the prepaid card will give you the confidence to move on with your life and to better manage your finances. “The secret to success with this account” says Will Thomas, and “why we’re able to offer our services indiscriminately, is because of the two-pot system. Your funds are not directly linked to your prepaid card. This gives you greater control over your spending and your card habits which is critical to getting back on your feet financially as an undischarged bankrupt.”